Dear City Council,
I am writing to you today as a concerned resident having only recently learned about a large potential affordable-only housing project on downtown parking lots. It seems that the decision to develop 300+ affordable housing units in the middle of downtown Menlo Park has to be one of the more impactful decisions made in the history of downtown Menlo Park. Unless you were one of the small percentage of residents in the weeds of the development of Menlo Parks 6th Cycle Housing Element, most residents like myself, are just finding out about this plan. We are doing our best to educate ourselves on all of the intricacies involved, but it is surprising (and concerning) that the Council is trying to move so quickly on this. A more measured approach, with outreach and input from a wider group of stakeholders, is needed.
A few additional thoughts/questions:
1) Why would this project be limited to Affordable Housing only through the Surplus Lands Act? It seems like a mixed-use development with Housing, Retail and possibly some Commercial Space makes far more sense for a downtown. Additionally, the housing should be a mix of units for all affordability, possibly along the same percentages of the RHNA itself.
2) Where is the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for 2023? When will that be available? Residents should have transparency and visibility to where our City stands as it relates to our RHNA goals. It is important for all residents to have a full understanding of projects already approved and in the pipeline, as it relates to affordable housing and the RHNA.
I look forward to hearing back, particularly on questions in #1 and #2 above.
Best Regards,
Nathan Anderson
410 Claremont Way
